Tests begin on hijack-proof plane

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Tests have begun at defence firm BAE Systems on a hijack-proof airliner.

Scientists at the company's Advanced Technology Centre in Bristol say the aim is to thwart terrorists who have slipped through airport security.

They are developing a computer system which can spot suspicious passenger behaviour and identify if an intruder is trying to take control.

The system would then assemble the collected data and recommend appropriate action to the cockpit crew.

Surveillance techniques

"How the crew and ground staff respond to perceived threats is as important as detecting the threats themselves," said the company's "human factors specialist" Dr Catherine Neary.

"BAE Systems is using its expertise in surveillance and security techniques from the defence arena to support this project aimed at protecting civilians."

Passengers could be watched by video and microphone sensors.

The on-board devices could include a system designed to change the aircraft's trajectory, preventing it from being steered into a building or mountain.

You never reach zero level of threat... But if you equip planes with on-board electronics, it will make them very difficult to hijack Daniel Gaultier, SAFEE

CCTV, fingerprint technology and sophisticated biometric systems are also being created to ensure only bona fide pilots take to the skies.

The Threat Assessment and Response Management System (Tarms) is part of a four-year 35.8m euro (£25m) anti-terrorism project among European aviation specialists.

The Security of Aircraft in the Future European Environment (Safee) project began in July.

Safee coordinator Daniel Gaultier said: "You never reach zero level of threat, no risk.

"But if you equip planes with on-board electronics, it will make them very difficult to hijack."